Argentina is gearing up to defend its 2022 World Cup title, and coach Lionel Scaloni has expressed confidence ahead of the team’s opening match against Algeria in Kansas City. But for crypto markets, the real story isn’t what happens on the pitch. It’s what’s happening around it.
Kraken has been named the Official Crypto Exchange Supporter of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking one of the most significant mainstream partnerships in digital-asset history. Meanwhile, the Argentine Football Association Fan Token (ARG) is trading between $0.33 and $0.41, with a market cap hovering in the $6-$7.5 million range, and the tournament hasn’t even started yet.
Scaloni’s squad and the speculation machine
Scaloni has been at the helm of Argentina’s national team since 2018. He orchestrated one of the most dramatic World Cup victories in recent memory in Qatar in 2022, and defending that crown puts him squarely in the global spotlight once again.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026, with Argentina’s opener scheduled for mid-June. Squad announcements have been pushed to late May 2026 to give coaching staff more time to evaluate player fitness.
